NOVEL NEXT Chapter 12: Bubbles
After I explained what happened with my conversation with the headmasters to Julian, I received a message from Housemaster Gilbert, stating that our first lesson is at sunrise.
And that's what brings me here today.
"Magic demands unwavering willpower, disciplined practice, and every ounce of strength you possess—both within and beyond yourself," Headmaster Gilbert began, his voice steady and commanding. "Fortunately, you already have the determination and the inner strength. However, the other qualities are somewhat underdeveloped. If you wish to master your magic, you must train and grow more formidable." I nod, absorbing his words.
"You possess extraordinary magical power, but you can't harness it because your physical strength is lacking," Headmaster Gilbert continued, his gaze sharp and calculating. "So, to begin, I want you to swing this sword a hundred and fifty times." He hands me a sword, its weight unexpectedly heavy. I struggle to lift it, finding it more cumbersome than the one I wielded during my earlier fight. I try again, but still can't manage.
"As I anticipated," he said with a knowing expression. "During your battle with Sir Brian, you unconsciously channeled magic to raise your sword. This sword, however, nullifies any magical influence. That's why you can't lift it now. But that's exactly why we're here. This is part of your training." He paused, then added with a purposeful tone, "Here's the new approach: first, we'll focus on building the physical strength necessary to wield a sword. Once you can master that, we'll proceed with the practice swings." He met my gaze, his eyes firm with resolve. "Now, give me fifty pushups."
I immediately drop to the floor, my arms trembling with effort, managing only three before collapsing in exhaustion.
"Again!" Headmaster Gilbert demands, his voice sharp and unwavering. "You're not just training your body; you're learning discipline, control, and the balance necessary to wield both your strength and your magic."
The morning seemed to vanish in a blur, and before I knew it, the soft glow of evening had settled in. My muscles screamed in protest after hours of relentless running, push-ups, and sit-ups, every inch of my body aching with exhaustion. I staggered to my room, barely able to keep my eyes open, and started filling the bath. This time, I managed to get the water heated on my own by using my my magic. The tub soon overflowed with thick, frothy bubbles, their soft scent filling the air. I slid into the warm water, the heat immediately easing the tension in my sore muscles. The bubbles clung to my skin, floating around me like clouds, each one a tiny, soothing cushion. I let out a long, contented groan as the warmth seeped into my bones, my body finally relaxing for the first time all day. I leaned back, closing my eyes, and for a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. The only thing I could focus on was the gentle swish of the bubbles and the perfect comfort of the bath, washing away every trace of fatigue.
The morning seemed to vanish in a blur, and before I knew it, the soft glow of evening had settled in. My muscles screamed in protest after hours of relentless running, push-ups, and sit-ups, every inch of my body aching with exhaustion. I staggered to my room, barely able to keep my eyes open, and started filling the bath. This time, I managed to heat the water on my own by generating my magic into the large bulb on top that heats the bath for you. The tub soon overflowed with thick, frothy bubbles, their soft scent filling the air. I slid into the warm water, the heat immediately easing the tension in my sore muscles. The bubbles clung to my skin, floating around me like clouds, each one a tiny, soothing cushion. I let out a long, contented groan as the warmth seeped into my bones, my body finally relaxing for the first time all day. I leaned back, closing my eyes, and for a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. The only thing I could focus on was the gentle swish of the bubbles and the perfect comfort of the bath, washing away every trace of fatigue.
Just as I started to drift, wondering idly what Julian might be doing right now, the bathroom door creaked open. My heart leapt in my chest, and I whipped around to face it, my face flushing instantly. Julian stood in the doorway, his eyes wide, clearly caught off guard.
"What are you doing?!" I gasped, my hand immediately swiping to pull more bubbles over me. The thick, frothy cloud had already spread, but in my panic, I tried to make it look like it was actually hiding anything.
Julian blinked, eyes darting around. His face turned the colour of ripe strawberries. "I—I thought you were—" he stammered, then froze, staring at the mass of bubbles surrounding me. "Wait... I can't even see you," he blurted, realising the absurdity of the situation as his gaze flicked from the bubbles to my face and back. "There's so many bubbles... I didn't mean to—"
I couldn't help but laugh, despite the heat in my face. "Well, I guess the bubbles are doing their job, then," I said, my voice higher than usual, betraying my embarrassment. "I didn't exactly expect company while I was—" I glanced at the wall, searching for a way out of this situation, "—recharging."
He managed to tear his eyes away from the foam, looking flustered but trying his best to make it seem like he wasn't too awkward. "Yeah, I can see that now," he said, clearing his throat and glancing at the door as though considering an escape. But then he froze again, looking hesitant, as if he didn't quite know how to leave or if he should stay. "I didn't think anyone was in here."
"Obviously," I muttered, sinking a little deeper into the water, trying to hold on to a shred of dignity. "I thought I locked the door."
His eyes softened, his embarrassment slowly being replaced by something more... tender. "I didn't mean to barge in," he said quietly, his voice almost sheepish. "I just... well, I wanted to check on you. I didn't expect..." His eyes flickered back to the bubbles. "I mean, this."
I smiled, feeling the awkwardness start to shift into something softer. "It's okay. You didn't know," I said, trying to reassure him. "Just... maybe knock next time?" The idea of him being here, even like this, felt strange but somehow comforting.
He gave a nervous laugh, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, I'll definitely knock next time. Promise."
Neither of us moved for a moment. The air between us was thick with an unspoken mix of awkwardness and something else, a softness that neither of us seemed willing to fully acknowledge.
Finally, Julian stepped back toward the door, but before he left, he glanced back, his voice gentle. "I—I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to... interrupt. But I hope you get some rest."
"Thanks, Julian," I said, feeling an unexpected warmth at his words. "You too."
As he stepped out, I sank back into the bath, the bubbles still swirling around me like clouds, their soothing scent still filling the room. I let out a deep breath, my heart still beating a little faster than usual, but now with a strange, quiet contentment. The awkwardness had melted into something else—something that felt... new.